Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has hinted that Liverpool could potentially scupper Manchester City's pursuit of Antoine Semenyo. The Ghanaian striker appeared to bid farewell to Bournemouth supporters after netting a dramatic stoppage-time winner in their thrilling 3-2 triumph over Tottenham.
Boss Andoni Iraola subsequently indicated that the former Bristol City ace had likely featured in his final outing for the Cherries. The Spanish tactician described Semenyo's departure as merely a "matter of formalities" awaiting completion. City have reportedly agreed to trigger the £65million release clause in the forward's contract, with Pep Guardiola's outfit seemingly poised to announce his arrival.
Nevertheless, Redknapp delivered a stunning transfer revelation by suggesting the Reds might be lurking in the shadows, ready to derail Semenyo's switch to the Etihad.
He declared: "I'm not so sure. I've heard there might be a little bit of a twist.
"I think Liverpool could still be in the equation. I think that. I've got to be honest, I think if they did come in - why they perhaps haven't come in as strongly, I'm surprised. If you look at that position, with Mohamed Salah and how long he's going to be at the club for, we don't quite know.
"If you've got a player of that quality and he shows he's a match-winner, he turns up in the big moments. Why wouldn't you be in for him?
"I'm not saying it's a Sky Sports breaking news moment, but all I'm saying is, I've heard tonight that it might not be the forgone conclusion that he's going to be having a medical at Man City. There might still be a little twist and I hope so."
Redknapp failed to elaborate on his source or whether his remarks stemmed from footballing intuition or privileged information he'd been privy to.
Given Iraola's statements, it appears certain that Semenyo will not wear a Bournemouth jersey again this campaign.
The Cherries boss revealed: "We pushed a lot to keep him until the last second here and I think it is fair that he leaves with the feeling he has had at the end, with the sub, with the reception of the supporters. I think he has earned all this. I am very happy for him because we know he is a top player but especially a top person.
"I am very happy for him personally because I think he deserves, after all he has done for us, to finish like this. But it is true, he is a big miss for us, a player you cannot replace him. It has been a difficult week for us because we have also lost Justin (Kluivert) with an injury.
"To lose in the same week Justin and Antoine for a club like us is a big thing. I know the club is working and we will try to sign new players but it is very difficult to replace this level of player."
Guardiola might have wished for Semenyo in his attacking line-up on Wednesday, as he saw his City squad waste numerous opportunities, resulting in a 1-1 draw against Brighton at home.
Liverpool could potentially aid City's title pursuit this Thursday evening. The Reds are set to face off against Premier League frontrunners Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Given that a win for the Gunners would put City eight points adrift of Mikel Arteta's team, Guardiola will be pinning his hopes on a Liverpool victory in north London.